Cody Fajardo has said the Riders and his agent have had talks about a contract extension. Wednesday on the Sports Cage, Fajardo talked about what he wants in a new deal.
In one word: stability.
“I’m done with the one-year thing. I think that’s the biggest thing,” Fajardo says. “And I’m tired of moving around. I’m getting to the age where…obviously I got married in March. It’s tough on my wife and I when we go into the off-season and we never know where I’m going to be at. I’m in Toronto one year, then I’m in BC and now I’m in Saskatchewan. It’s just tough on us.
“I want to get something in the 2-, 3-, 4-year range. Because I want to be ‘the guy’ and I’m tired of moving around.”
Fajardo is certainly ‘the guy’ for the Riders this season. He’s third in the league in passing yards (3,140) and has factored in 23 total touchdowns (13 passing, 10 rushing).
His life has changed a lot in 2019–at work and at home. Now a starter after three seasons bouncing around the league, getting married, and then considering what comes next for a married couple.
“We’re going to be having some kids here soon–or at least trying. So when I have kids and we settle down somewhere we want to be able to be located in a spot. And I think that’s what Saskatchewan can give me. It’s a place that can commit to me.”
Fajardo will be due a nice raise over the $150-thousand that he could make this season. Justin Dunk of 3DownNation reported in August that Fajardo would make that much if he hit every one of his contract incentives. By comparison, James Franklin of the Argos will make upwards of $400-thousand for this season. Trevor Harris of the Eskimos will make $525-thousand this year.
Fajardo won’t say how much he’s looking for. He does say that Saskatchewan is a great fit for many of the other things that are important.
“For me, it just seems like a very family-esque feel here. That’s not only the fans, but it’s also the teammates that we have in that locker room. It’s also the coaches, the front office. I love it here and hopefully, down the line here, we can get something done.”
You can hear Fajardo spend 30 minutes with DT on the Sports Cage by getting the 620 CKRM app, or on Apple Podcasts.
Before his appearance, Fajardo also received a special surprise
We got a chance to surprise Riders QB @CodyFajardo17 today on the @sportscage with a gift from our friends at @lonestarband. His gameday ritual is to listen to their song “My Front Porch Looking In” on repeat before every game. @sskroughriders #UniteInGreen pic.twitter.com/wgKL1BnRPj
— 620 CKRM (@620ckrm) October 3, 2019
